Spring-rimmed wheel.



M 9 2., 2 ,L c 0 d nu l n nu .t a P. L). El .Ew .H1 HWG. e HD. MEJ SMM ..Mm CRM t Ga ENm .mw PM S 9. .2. 2, 5 oo b nw N 3 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

N0. $85,229. Patented Oct. 22, ISI.

- E. C. SMITH.

SPRING RIMMED WHEEL. (Appl at on l dJun 6 1901) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

No Model.)

inn/[moa BY f @L7M WWE ANORNEYS/ WITNESSES .MM www Patenied om. 22, moi. E. C. SMITH.

sPmNG'mMMEn WHEEL.

(Application led June 6, 1901.)

3 sheets-smet s.

(No Model.)

@terrien rares sisNT Ormes.

srsorssea'riosi arming parte or settlers sacem No. 685,229', dated october 22, 1901.

Application filed June A6, 1901. Serial No. (33AM. (lilo model.)

.To @El roh/om, it may concern:

Be ithnowu that 1, EDWARD C. Sii/urn, aett een oi theil'nited States, and a resident ofthe city and county of Schenectady, State offliew crit, have invented certain new and useful improvement-s inSpring-Ritnmed Wheels of which the following is a specification.

iii/:lyinvention relates to that class of wheels in which the supporting part is made yielding to reduce vibrations or jarring.

The principal objects of my invention are to provide means whereby the central and peripheral portions of a wheel have elastic play relatively to-eaoh other either radially or eireumferentially, or both, and also have such play well distributed and'constantly changing. l

lily improvements consist in certain features and details and combinations of parts hereinaier described. y

in the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan of a earwheel embodying one form of-rny invention, but with a portion of one side of the outer casingor support-ing member partly broken away to show the spring connections. Fig. 2 is a section of the same, taken on the line l2 2 et Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrowsiu said figure. Figs. 3, f1, and 5 are de- -tails of different forms of spring connections.

Fig. t3 is a fragmentary section showing the positions ot the parts in the construction shown in Figs.. 1 and 2 during the application of pressure downward on the hub. Fig. 7 is a similar viert` to Fig. 1 of a slightly-different embodiment' of my invention. Fig. 8 is a section of 'the wheel' shown in Fig. 7, taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. '2' and looking in the direction of the arrows in said figure.

Fig. 9 is an edge view, enlarged, of a spiral spring which may be used in piace of those shown inthe other figures and the protectingsleeve of oneof the bolts. lar view to Fig.' 5, but showinga slight modication of my invention. Fig. 11 is a similar view to Fig. S, but showing the application of my invention to a gear-wheel.

Similar numbers represent like parts in all "the figures.

1 is'the central member of the wheel, provided with the central hub 2 and an annular gre-ove Fig. 10is a simi- I 'Ll is the peripheral member, formed of a ring extending in the groove 3 and, as shown in the drawings, its outer edge vor rim constituting the tread of a car-wheel." In the ring 55 1i is an annular series of circular transverse receptaclesor holes 5.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, the' oppesite walls of the groove 3 of the casing are provided with circular recesses correspond; 6ov ing in circumference with the holes 5 in the ring 4 and said recesses constituting circular shoulders G, which are adapted to register` Vwith the walls of said holes. 'I represents buffers in the form of circular 6'3 springs inserted, respectively, in thevholes' 5 and their opposite edges resting in the re' cesses and against thev shoulders 6. The springs shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 are in the form ot helices. the form of a broken ring, one end slightly overlapping the other, and inFig. 5 the ring 9 is in the form of a broken. ring with the two ends some distance apart.

The central member 1 1s dividedA into tvvo 7 5 y parts 10 and 11, as shown in Fig. 2, to enab.e.- the ring'4 to beiuserted in the groove 3. The' part 11 is in the form of a flat ring, its inner bottom of the groove 3. Bolts13, passingthrough both parts 10 and 11 and through the middle of the springs 7 and secured by nuts 14, hold said parts 10 and 11 together.A The ring 4; should t just loosely enough in 85 the groove 3 to permit free action of said ring in the groove, but not so as to permit lateral movement. Sleeves 15, surrounding, respecl tively, the bolts 13 and with their ends bearing upon the inner surfaces of the partslO 9o 'and 11, serve as braces to prevent said parts from being drawn too much vtoward each other within the holes 5, and thus prevent free action of the springs. The bolts 13 and sleeves 15 are firmly attached t0 the vmember 95 1 and are practically 'rigid with and move with said member. They also serve as axes,around which the respective springs are contracted. When my improved wheel is in use, the

members 1 and i will have play relatively to mo each other. Pressure or weight upon the hub 2 toward thtread or the ground (by the axle In Fig. 4 the spring 8 is in 791' periphery fitting lsnugly over and resting in l ,v 'l au annular recess 12 in the member 1 at the 48o sure is upon thel sleeves 15 and bolts 13, such spring 22 with its inner end bearing upon the or otherwise) will tend to move the member l in'such direction, the two sides of the groove 3 sliding in such direction over the inclosed portion of the memberet, and thus causo the same to advance in the opposite direction or toward the hub. This action will cause all the buffers or springs to contract radially or diametrically in planes parallel to the movement of the two members 1 and 4, that p0r tion of the walls of the holes 5 exerting pressure against the outside of the springs forcing such portion of the springs away from their bearingshoulders in the member 1, the remainder of the shoulders retaining and holding such springs, and the portion of said holes 5 and of the member 4 opposite to such bearing portions receding from the springs in the groove 3. For example, if the pressure on the hub 2 and member 1 be exerted vertically downward in the direction of the arrow 16, Fig. 2, the usual direction of such pressure, (or gravity,) the lower portion of the wall of cach hole 5 below the spring 7 will force the adjacent portion of said sprifq. upward and away from its bearing on the loulders 6, the rest of the spring l sing rf; by the opposite iortions of tue shonfners, thus contracting the spring, while the part of the holes 5 and adjacent parts ring or'member 4 will recede from the spi legs. (See Fig. 6.) The usual pressure of a'. cm or other vehicle on its axle and on the hues of the wheels being that of gravity or vertically downward, the pressure on every spring of the wheel above described will be vertically upward, and as the wheel revolves such pressure on each and every spring will be constantly changing around its circumference on each successive point of the same, thereby causing a constantly-changing elastic play on that portion of the wheel near its perimeter or tread. When the pressure is relieved, the elasticity of the springs will return the parts to their normal positions.

`In Figs. 7, 8, and 9 the springs 17 are in the' form of elastic cushions and are preferably of alternate layers o f rubber or similar elastic material 1S and cloth or other binding material 19. I also prefer to make the cush, ion 17in the form of a spiral, the rubbcrand cloth being cemented or otherwise held together and wound around a central spool 20. A bushing or ferrule 2l surrounds the cushion 17, and said spool and bushing serve to take up the wear from the ring and to guide the cushion in the groove 3. In the construction shown in Figs. 7, S, and 9 the shoulders l5 are dispensed with, as the pressure-bearings of the cushions 17 are at their centers (instead of at their peripheries) and the presbolts being practically an integral part of the casing l.

In Fig. l0 I have' shown a spiral sleeve 15. This form of spring may be used with a casing, just above described, in which the contractile pressure of the spring comes ily: 685,5229

movement cause the bolts and sleeves to come nearer the lower portions of the holes 5 in the ring 4, and thus depress the portion of the cushioned springs 17 between the walls of said holes and the sleeves 15. (See Fig. ,9.) If springs of the form shown in Fig. 10 be used in the construction of wheel shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the action will be'as just above described; but if such springs be used with the construction of wheel shown in Figs.

l and 2 the'action will be the same as that described with relation to such figures.-

From the aboveit will be seen that the casing bearing the hub will always have an elastic yielding bearing and that jarring, jolting, and vibrations on the axle and through it to a vehicle lwill be reduced to a minimum. Vhen the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 7 is used cn a gearwheel, pulley, or similar wheels, or a flexible coupling, as shown in Fig. 11, the pressure of the spring 7 will not be radial or diametrical, but such pressure would be circumferential, the springbeing compressed in a somewhat tangential line around'its perimeter or circumference. In this case the two members 1 andy 4 should have no'radial play relatively to each other, but should-be rigid radially and their relative play should be only circumferential, as otherwise the wheel would get out of gear or proper engagement. Such construction should therefore have either the inner perimeter 23 of the part 4 bearing upon the bottom of the groove 3, as shown in Fig. 11, or the shoulder 24 of the flange 25 of the member 4 bearing upon the outer edge of the member 1.

Fig. 10 is a similar view. to Fig. 6, but showing the application of myinventionin which the annular groove26 is made in the peripheral member 27 of the wheel and with the perimeter of the central member 28 inclosed within said groove in said, central member. In this case the action would be reversed to that shown and described-in relation to Figs. 1 to G. The movement otnthe two members in relation to each other would cause all the buffers or-springs to contract radially or diametrically in planes parallel to the movement of the two members'27 a'nd 28, that portion of the walls of the shoulders 30 exerting pressure against the outside of the springs vforcing such portion of the springs away from their bearing on the holes 29 in the member 2S, the opposite portion of the wall of said holes retaining and holding such springs and the adjacent portions of the shoulders 30 receding from the springs and the hole 29.

My invention in its broader aspects is not essere limited the precise construction shown and describe lor to 'precise construction by which it be carried. into eect, as many changes other than those suggested may be "f @rein without departing from. the

made

'main principles of my invention or sacrificing 4whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or" the wheel'.

A wheel composed oiga central member and a peripheral member having a series of transverse receptacles, and bufl'lng devices retained in said receptacles, and the walls ot receptacles preventing radial displacement o said batting devices, and the bufng devices also bearing upon said central mem' bez-whereby the said central member and member have elastic Aplay ely each other, and also whereby suon play or pressure will be near the 4periplrosry oi' the tread of the/wheel, and conchang as the wheel revolves. J, wheel 'co strncted of a central member outer perinheral member, and said rnernbers seingy movablerelatively to each other, one'o lsaid members beingvprovided with. transverse holes having continuous walls, a series o springs retained in said. transverse holes entirely surrounded by tlrewalls ot" the same, and said springs also bearingupon a' part of the other member, whereby members may have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery' of the wheel.

Li. A wheel constructed o a central member and an outer or peripheral member, and said members being movable relatively to each other, one or' said members being. pro' .vided with transverse holes having continuous walls, a series of circular springs re tained in said transverse holes and entirely surrounded bythe walls of the same, and said springs also bearing' upon a part of the other member, whereby said rnernbers'rmay have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby said elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery of the Tzrheel.v

5. A wheel constructed oi a central member and an outer or peripheral member, and said members being movable relatively to each other, one of said members being p'rovided with transverse holes having continuous walls, an annular series of springs retained in said transverse holes and entir surrounded by the walls of the same, said springs also bearing upon a partei the other member, whereby said members have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby suchv elastic play or pressure willl be near the periphery of' the wheel.

6. A wheel composed of a central member anda peripheral member having a series of circularv transverse holes, and springs inelosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the same-and also bearing upon a part of vsaid supporting member, whereby the said supporting member and peripheral :nersw ber may have elastic play rela tively with other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near1 the' periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing, as the wheel revolves.

.7. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member for an axle, a movable ring bearing the tread and provided with a series4 of circular transverse-holes, and springs ini closed. within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the same and also bearing upon a of said supporting member, whereby the said supporting member and. ring may have elastic play relatively with each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread o Ithe wheel and constantly changing, as the wheel revolves,

8. ln a wheel, the combination of a supporting'mernher for an axle, a movable ring bearing the tread and provided with an an- A nular series ofcireular transverse holes, and springs inelosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls ofthe same, and their ripheries also bearing upon shoulders in said support, whereby the said supporting niember and ring may have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing, 'f

as the wheel revolves.

9. In a wheel, the combination of a sup-` porting member having a centralhub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring' resting in said groove, and provided with an annular series of circular transverse holes, springs inclosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of thesame and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, whereby the said supporting member and ring may have elastic play relatively with each other, and also whereby such elastic` play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantlyohanging. 10. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member havingfarcentral hub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove-and provided with an annular series of circular transverse holes,

circular springsinolosed Within said holes -andbearing upon the Walls of the same and also bearing'upona part of said supporting member, whereby the said supporting mornber and ring may have elastic play relatively rgo with each other, and also whereby such elastie player 'pressure will vbe near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing.Y

1l. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member having a central hub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided with au annular series of circular transverse holes, ring-shapedsprings inclosed within said holes and hearing upon the walls of the same, and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, whereby the said supporting mem-v ber' and ring may have elastic play relatively fto'each other, and also whereby such elastic.

play or pressure wil.- be near the periphery -or tread ofthe wheel an d constantly changing.

12. In a wheel, thc combination cfa supporting member having a central hub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided with an annular series of circular holes, springs inclosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the same, and their peripheries also bearing upon shoulders in said support, whereby the said supporting member and ring may have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing.

13. In a wheel, the combination of a'. supporting member having a central huby and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided with an annular series of circular transverse holes, springs inclosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the s ame and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, and said member divided into two parts inclosing said annular groove between them, and means for removably connecting said parts, whereby said ring may be inserted in said groove, and whereby said supporting member and ring may have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the 'wheel and constantly changing.

14. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member having a central hub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided with an annular series of circular transverse holes, springs inclosed within said holes aud bearing upon the walls of the same and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, and said member divided into two parts inclosing' said annular groove between them, and serewbolts for removably connecting said parts, whereby said ring may be inserted in said groove, and whereby said supporting member and .5 mayhave elasticplay relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing.

15. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member having a central hub anda peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided withan annular series of circular transverse holes, springs inclosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the same and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, and said member divided into two parts inclosing said annular groove between them, and screwbolts for removably connecting said parts and said bolts surrounded by a sleeve in said groove, whereby said ring may be inserted in said groove, and whereby said supporting member and ring may have elastic play relatively to each other,and also whereby spch elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing.

16. In a wheel, the combination of a supporting member having a central hub and a peripheral annular groove, a movable ring resting in said groove and provided with an annular series of circular transverse holes, springs lnclosed within said holes and bearing upon the walls of the same and also bearing upon a part of said supporting member, and said member divided into two parts inclosing said annular groove between them, and screw-bolts for removably connecting said parte and said bolts surrounded bya "sleeve in said groove, and said sleeve having a length slightly greater than the Width of the groove, whereby said ring 'may be inserted in said groove, and whereby said supporting member and ring may have elastic play relatively to each other, and also whereby such elastic play or pressure will be near the periphery or tread of the wheel and constantly changing.

17. A wheel constructed of a central member and an outeror peripheral member, one of said members being provided with transverse receptacles, a series of buffing ,devices retained in said receptacles, and the bufiing devices also bearing upon the otherA member and arranged to cushion the circumferential movement only of the members relatively to cach other, whereby said members have a rigid connection radially but have elastic play relatively to each other circumferentially.

18. A wheel constructed of a central member and an outer or peripheral member, one of said members being provid'od with transverse'receptacles, a series of buing devices retained in said receptacles, and the walls of the. receptacles preventing'radial displacement of said hurting devices, and thebuling devices also bearing upon the other member, and arranged to cushion the circumferential movement only of th members relatively to each other, whereby said membershave a rigid connection radially but have elastic play relatively to cach other circumfrentially.

19. A wheel composed of a central member and a peripheral member movable rf-elatvely to each other, portions projecting rom said members arid-said portions. almost entirely roo IIC

overlapping the other member to render the connection between the members'irin and strong without interferingwith their relativel movabllity, buiiing devices interposed .bef Ytween said members, whereby said membersy may have elastic play. relatively to each other;

and also whereby such play may be coxn" pletely and accurately guided, and great strength of the wheel be attained. 20. A wheel composed of a central member and a peripheral member'movable relatively strong without interfering with relative 'movability and springs interposed between lsaid members, whereby said members may have elastic play relatively toeach other, and also whereby such play may be completely and accurately guided, and great strength of the.

Wheel be attained.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification lin the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

EDWARD osMITII.

Witnesses:

ALLAN H. JACKSON, ROBERT J. LANDON. 

